The Ultimate Guide to Concrete Sealing in Kelowna: Protect & Enhance Your Surfaces

Written By Brady Linnen

Introduction: Why Concrete Sealing Matters in Kelowna

Concrete sealing is a service where a protective barrier, a sealer, is applied to your concrete or exposed aggregate surface that will ensure that it will resist the elements of the Okanagan and keep it looking great for many years.  In Kelowna, our unique climate directly impacts the lifespan of concrete as hot summers, high UV exposure, cold winters, and the regular freeze/thaw cycle can wear out the concrete surface over time.  Applying a sealer will prevent water and ice from sinking deep into the surface and stop cracks from prematurely forming.  Also, the sealer will stop UV rays in the summer months from drying out the concrete and further prevent cracking.  Sealing your concrete on a regular basis will extend the life of your driveway and keep your property looking its best!

What Happens If You Don’t Seal Your Concrete?

Choosing not to seal your concrete means that you run the risk of early deterioration in the forms of cracking, spalling, and chemical spills.  You may notice that unsealed concrete tends to absorb moisture when it rains rather than allowing it to bead up on the top of the surface. Once the water sinks into the concrete, the freeze/thaw cycle will lead to rapid expansion and contraction that can lead to cracking and splitting.  If these cracks are not addressed early on, they will continue to get worse over time and lead to further damage of your driveway.  Furthermore, the constant exposure to the hot UV rays in the Kelowna summers can lead to fading, weakening, and cracking in the long run.  Sealing the surface with commercial grade products and a professional company can prevent all of this from happening and save you tens of thousands of dollars on a complete driveway replacement.

Un-sealed vs Sealed Concrete

Benefits of Sealing Concrete & Exposed Aggregate

  1. Weather Protection: Prevents moisture penetration, reduces freeze/thaw damage, stops UV rays.

  2. Durability & Longevity: Strengthens the surface, preventing chipping, spalling, and cracking.

  3. Stain & Chemical Resistance: Repels oil, grease, and spills, keeping surfaces clean.

  4. Enhanced Appearance: Brings out natural colors and adds a polished, darkened finish.

  5. Easier Maintenance: Reduces dust and oil buildup which makes cleaning easy with only a water hose.

Types of Concrete Sealers: Choosing the Right One for Your Surface

Penetrating Sealers: Ideal for brushed concrete.  Provides long-term protection while maintaining a natural look by sinking deep into the concrete to seal out water.  Matte finish.

Surface/Topical Sealers: Ideal for exposed aggregate. Protects your concrete by developing a strong layer on the surface, sealing out all harmful elements. Glossy finish.

Surface Concrete Sealer Application

How Concrete Sealing Works: The Process

  1. Surface Preparation: Deep cleaning using commercial grade pressure washers and chemical (as needed) allows the sealer to properly stick to the concrete surface.

  2. Crack & Surface Repair: Cracks will be cleaned out using a grinder or wire wheel and then filled with the appropriate sealant to ensure that they do not continue to open up over time.

  3. Sealer Application: Apply commercial grade sealer with our years of expert knowledge and experience.  Depending on the surface, it will be either rolled on or sprayed to leave an even and seamless finish.

  4. Drying & Final Inspection: Ensure proper curing before use, usually 48 hours.  Final inspection to make sure that each customer is fully satisfied.

When Is the Best Time to Seal Concrete in Kelowna?

In Kelowna, the best time to seal driveways is between mid-May and late-September.  This allows for the most optimal curing as the temperatures warm up and are stable.  We often clean driveways a few days before and then seal first thing in the morning to make sure that the afternoon heat does not impact our sealer as we lay it down.  This process will leave a seamless finish and prevents flash curing in the heat which stops unsightly lines from appearing in the driveway.

Once you notice the colour of your driveway has started to become lighter, it is a good sign to seal your concrete.  Also, if you notice that water sinks into the concrete rather than bead off, it is a good time to seal. You may test this with your water hose at home.

How Long Does Concrete Sealing Last?

Sealer longevity depends widely on the frequency of traffic and use that the driveway gets.  Overall, we recommend resealing your driveway every 2-4 years to maximize the protection that the concrete needs.  Depending on the year, the Kelowna sun, snow, and freeze/thaw cycle may impact how long the sealer will last. Sealing concrete on a regular basis, with commercial grade sealer, will increase the durability of the concrete and keep it looking great for many years. 

DIY vs. Professional Concrete Sealing: What’s the Best Choice?

Many people may choose to seal their driveways themselves but that can present several challenges if you have never done it before.  Sealing equipment found in hardware stores is often cheaply made and will increase the difficulty of applying the sealer which may lead to an uneven application and unsightly lines in your driveway.  Choosing the right sealer is also vital as there are many sealers on the market and choosing the wrong sealer and applying it wrong can be the difference between a great looking driveway and a driveway that looks worse than before.  Also, the cleaning process is difficult to perfect if you only have a residential pressure washer without proper chemicals or a surface cleaner.  DIY’ers may find that pressure washing their driveway themselves can leave obvious lines and again leave the driveway looking worse than before.  This can be caused by using the wrong tip, inconsistent wand distance to the surface, or inadequate equipment.

Hiring a professional concrete sealing company in Kelowna, means that they have the knowledge and experience of properly cleaning the surface, using commercial grade equipment specifically made for sealing, choosing the correct sealer, and applying the sealer in the correct way to make it last as long as possible and keep it looking great.  Furthermore, hiring a professional service means that you can sit by your pool or by the lake and enjoy the Kelowna sun rather than waste a beautiful summer day.  And when you get home, you have a peace of mind that it was done properly.

Why Choose Coyote Sealcoating for Concrete Sealing in Kelowna?

Coyote Sealcoating is locally owned and operated with years of experience in Kelowna’s climate.  We know all of the details that go into providing the best possible service in the Okanagan.  We choose only the highest grade sealers on the market to make sure that every driveway that we do will be protected for years to come.  Our process, from cleaning to application, has been perfected to leave each one of our customers fully satisfied and eager to use us in the future.  For reliable service, booking, and guaranteed results, choose Coyote Sealcoating.

Get a Free Quote for Concrete Sealing in Kelowna

Brady Linnen
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